UK stocks fell on mixed economic data, with Whitbread dropping 8% and the FTSE 100 dropping 16.44 points.

UK stocks dipped on October 16, 2025, as the FTSE 100 fell 16.44 points to 9,408.31 amid mixed economic data, with GDP rising 0.1% in August after a revised drop in July. Whitbread shares plunged 8% after reporting a 7% drop in adjusted pre-tax profit to £316 million, citing weaker German demand and rising UK costs. Croda International rose 6% on unchanged annual guidance and strong sales growth. The Institute for Fiscal Studies urged bold fiscal action to address a £22 billion gap, while Chancellor Rachel Reeves signaled possible tax hikes or spending cuts. Global markets saw gains in biotech and tech sectors, while the Netherlands seized control of Chinese chipmaker Nexperia over security concerns.